UFC Legend Kamaru Usman Contemplates Retirement After Lopsided Loss to Dricus Du Plessis

Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman questions his future after one-sided beatdown at UFC Oklahoma City.

UFC Legend Kamaru Usman Contemplates Retirement After Lopsided Loss to Dricus Du Plessis

Kamaru Usman gets candid about retirement (via X)

Kamaru Usman ruled the UFC welterweight division from 2019 to 2022 with a remarkable title reign. However, the Nigerian star is now 1-4 in his last five outings after a lopsided loss to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC Oklahoma City. Following the defeat, Usman is weighing whether to put his family and team through another setback or finally retire from the sport.

Usman entered UFC Oklahoma City chasing his first middleweight victory. Du Plessis arrived looking to rebound after losing the middleweight title at UFC 319. The South African star repeatedly wobbled Usman before earning a unanimous decision with scores of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46 after five rounds.

Now 39, Usman remains closely connected with his family, sharing strong relationships with his parents and his young daughter. He also continues training under Trevor Wittman at ONX Sports. After UFC Oklahoma City, Usman discussed his future in the sport with fellow podcast host and UFC legend Henry Cejudo.

Just, all in all, just see if it’s worth continuing to do this. Whether it’s worth continuing to put them through that. I’ve never really gone out there and not represented them appropriately. I’ve got to really go back, sit with the team, sit with family and assess and decide. When you’ve achieved so much, and you’ve got so much highs in the sport, when you start to feel the lows, it’s not that great.

Kamaru Usman via Pound 4 Pound Show

Usman’s career has long been affected by chronic knee problems. He has undergone multiple surgeries, including microfracture procedures before his UFC debut, to manage the damage. The accumulated wear has increasingly impacted the former welterweight kingpin’s ability to compete at the highest level.

Interestingly, Usman once envisioned ending his career on top. Before his recent struggles, he planned to become a two-division UFC champion by adding the middleweight title to his welterweight crown. His goal was to accomplish that feat and retire in 2026 while still riding championship momentum.

Usman entered UFC Oklahoma City with renewed momentum after defeating rising contender Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision in June 2025. It marked his first victory since reclaiming form after a difficult losing stretch. However, that momentum ended against Du Plessis, leaving his long-term future uncertain.

Even if Usman decides to retire, opportunities outside fighting continue to grow. He appeared in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever before recently expanding his acting résumé with a role in The Naked Gun. Those projects could provide the former UFC champion with a promising path in Hollywood after his career ends.

Kamaru Usman’s future in the UFC remains uncertain after another difficult defeat. Regardless of his decision, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ has already secured his place among the greatest welterweight champions in UFC history as well as a Hall of Fame spot in the future. The final call now rests on whether one more comeback is worth pursuing.

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Dricus Du Plessis pays respect to Kamaru Usman after dominant win

Dricus Du Plessis had undoubtedly risen to become one of the UFC’s top middleweights. He captured the title and defended it twice, defeating Israel Adesanya and current champion Sean Strickland during that run. Those victories established the South African as a dominant force in the division.

However, Du Plessis suffered a setback at UFC 319 when he lost the middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev. ‘Stillknocks’ struggled to create offense as Chimaev controlled the fight with relentless grappling and pressure. He was unable to find an answer throughout the contest before losing by unanimous decision.

Dricus Du Plessis vows to retire Kamaru Usman
Dricus Du Plessis and Kamaru Usman (via Instagram)

Du Plessis entered UFC Oklahoma City determined to avenge his UFC 319 setback and prove he remained among the division’s most dangerous fighters. After dominating Kamaru Usman, he reflected on the significance of the all-African matchup and showed respect for his former opponent.

We as Africans, we inspire a whole continent… (This) was the second time ever it’s been an all-African main event. I’ve had the honor of being part of both of those. There is no beef.

Dricus Du Plessis told UFC media team

Du Plessis has consistently represented his African heritage throughout his UFC career. He sees himself alongside Kamaru Usman, Israel Adesanya, and Francis Ngannou as part of Africa’s MMA legacy. His respect for Usman after UFC Oklahoma City further highlighted that connection.

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